how much do i need to make to live in DC single (to rent)

[kiddo9o9]

im in DC and am moving from an hourly job, tuns of roommates, and no car to a salaried position and my own place. what are ok or average incomes in DC. iv heard from 40,000-75,000 but i have no clue. can someone help

[juniperbleu]

It depends on your lifestyle and where you want/have to live. I know several who live alone and make just under $40,000. It's a little tight, but they work it out. I'd say aim for $50,000 if you'd like a decent place in a decent area and not too many money worries come bill time.

[JimGriffith]

Depends on your lifestyle.

Do you want to rent a nice place in a nice neighborhood? Eat out a lot? Travel a lot?

I'd say 50k is the minimum, meaning you could rent something in the 1300 range and still afford your bills, play money and putting some away for savings.

[LIS123]

It really does fluctuate quite a bit. If you really clamp down (rent a room, don't eat out or go out much, etc) the number could go down to the $30-35K range. If you want to live in a nicer building and do like to eat out and go out, the number could easily go up to $75K+. It really depends.

By far, the best way to add or subtract several hundred dollars per month to your budget in one fell swoop is housing. This will be the easiest way to save (or spend) a lot of money. Living in a more modest building a bit further from the Metro can save you a lot of cash, while living in a very modern building right off the Metro will cost you.

[bogfrog]

You can live your dream working for a start-up or non-profit on a small salary, but your so-called friends may be lobbiests earning 6-figures. If this is the case, be sure you choose good friends -- I mean, someone who's happy to throw a big party at home and not insist on going out every night.

I have seen friends working for under $30K brought low by this kind of peer pressure.